Guys my A/C just went. I dont know if it is compressor or what but I get no cold air at ALL.

It seems that in conjunction with this going I first started hearing some squealing that eventually lead to small clanging.

When getting home tonight I could hear the symptom real bad.

I just tried to start my truck and it seemed to try and start but it just died.

I tried it 2 more times and then when it finally turned over the squeal went REAL loud and I smelled what smelled like rubber burning.

I read somewhere about compressor/serpentine belt/alternator similarities...

Am I on the right track?

2003 RAM 1500 4.7 quad cab 112,000 miles

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

i;d say the clutch is stuck on the ac unit causing the pulley not to turn and bnuring the belt check to see if you can turn the ac pulley and check for rubber on the all the pulleys
you should NOT drive it in this condition

 

Thanks Marx for the reply. I just want to have some sort of idea whats up bfore I take it in.

Just out of curiosity and I know its gonna sound stupid.. but how would the clutch become involved in that?

 

OK guys I am an idiot. My serpentine belt snapped last night.. I guess this can explain my issues.

Question is - Is this self replaceable? I mean I am not an idiot - nor am I mechanic either...

Thanks

 

no its pretty easy to put on... as long as you know how to route it.

 

Big Wheel thanks!!!!

OK another update cause yes I an idiot...

Based on what Marx said - I can turn ALL pulleys by hand except the A/C one...

I take it this is bad thing?

Also I take it as well that replacing the drive belt with a stuck pulley will result in another broken belt again???

 

Yeah that sounds about right. I'd take the a/c unit off, and maybe take it to Oreilly's or somethin and have them look at it. If it needs replacing, you can pick one up there too and a new belt. I wouldn't replace the belt AND DONT START/DRIVE THE TRUCK, until you get that a/c unit fixed/working.

 

Thanks Trup. I was afraid of all of this. I am just going to get it towed and have a new ac and belt put on.

I have loved this truck but it may be time to sell it. These repairs are starting to hurt.

I guess I have to look at the big picture and since its paid off its gonna take money to maintain. I just hope this maintainence doesn't persist.

Someone tell me different please. Hahahahah

 

Yeah that's pretty bothersome man. Where r u getting the work done? I would see how much they are going to charge you for the parts. Rockauto.com has great deals on every part known to man, and you can prolly get the ac compressor and belt for way cheaper on there. Then just pay the shop for the labor. Just food for thought. You know what they say though, the longer you keep your car/truck the more it pays for itself!

New truck payment : at least $450 a month
Repairs on the old truck : what... maybe 400 every 6 months?

Plus, that things a badass beast! Keep it and fix her up!

EDIT : ***Oh but first, take it to the shop and have them make sure the a/c compressor actually needs to be repaired first! It might be fine and just need some minor maintenance! Don't just tell them it's broke... cause they'll see you coming and gladly take your money and make a fool of you.***

 

Trup thanks!!! I really appreciate the tips and advice...

I follow you brother - all the way.

I am getting it done here locally and I am going to do what you said.

I will get it towed tomorrow to a local dude I trust - tell him I need them to check the ac compressor and clutch and let them know thats what snapped my serpentine belt and tell them I need a new one if those.

I will then ask them how much for parts and labor and then tell them I can get the parts.

$226.00 for compressor on rockauto
$35.00 serpentine belt

I will be more than willing to pay them for the labor if they can match those part costs...

The saga continues..hahaha

Thanks again man